If you live in Fairfax County Virginia and are thinking about getting a cat or dog, please consider adoption.
Our last three dogs have been adopted canines and they are awesome. It is a cliche...but adopting a pet will do more good for you, than you will do for the animal.
If I had a farm, I would fill it with adoptees and I guarantee that I would be the happiest, most mentally contented man around. Hmmmm....I think I better get a farm. The dogs in these photos are our rescue dogs Penny Lane and Eleanor Rigby Bachman.
The smaller one, Penny, is the mother of the larger one Eleanor. They were a sorry sight when we first got them. Both were recovering from mange, had almost no hair and Penny was and still does... limp. They were clearly neglected if not abused.
You can save a life and bring yourself some furry pleasure by visiting the Fairfax County shelter off West Ox Road across from Fair Oaks mall. Go on a regular basis and you will find the right pet for you... it might not happen in one visit. Our first rescue dog, Abigail took 5 visits over 2 weeks to find.
Some of the animals you will find at shelters are too abused for a new pet owner or one with small children to handle.
Usually you can spot these animals right away.
One test I use before I ask the aides to let me meet the dog, is to simply see if the animal will come up to the front of its pen to meet me with a wagging tail.
If so, that is a very good first sign.
Many dogs will stay huddled in a corner or stare indifferently or aggressively...not a good sign for a successful adoption.
Sadly some animals have become too psychotic for most of us to handle.
Penny and Ellie, were very neurotic from abuse, but we took them on since we are pretty experienced dog people.
It took one of them a year to trust us, but they are now both outstanding and entertaining pets.
If you take your time and use common sense, you can get a great pet...REALLY CHEAP!
It is very affordable to adopt a pet in Fairfax County. I have seen some breeds there with dogs of good temperament that would easily cost you $700 if you purchased them from a breeder
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Adoption fees
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Dogs:
- Through six months: $175
- Seven months through five years: $125
- Six years and older: $100
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Cats:
- Through six months: $125
- Seven months through five years: $75
- Six years and older: $50
- Rabbits: $15
- Ferrets: $15
- Reptiles: $10
- Small Birds: $10
- Large Birds: $100
- Equine and Bovine: $200
- Other Small Animals: $5
- Other Livestock: $20
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Dogs:
You must pay to neuter any cat or dog you adopt...again ...a very reasonable expense.
- Virginia State Law mandates that all dogs and cats adopted from a shelter must be spayed/neutered.
- You are also responsible for paying 100 percent of the cost for spaying/neutering dogs and cats adopted from the shelter.
- A deposit for surgery is taken at the time of adoption, and the balance is paid directly to the veterinarian when the pet is picked up after surgery.
If you are looking for a particular breed and/or you cannot find the pet you want from the county shelter, here are some more places to check.
http://www.petharbor.com/
Good Dog Rescue
Oldies but Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation
Humane Society of Fairfax County
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